The Carpenters Arms

Felixkirk, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire

What they say: “Stylishly refurbished village pub with spacious rooms, real ales and highly regarded food.”

Drinks: Black Sheep Best, Timothy Taylors Boltmaker, York Guzzler and a guest such as Black Sheep BAA BAA on handpump, around 24 wines by the glass, 18 malt whiskies, quite a few gins and farm cider.

Food: Includes seafood linguine with tomato and chilli, rare-breed 28-day-aged rib-eye steak with a choice of sauce, and venison haunch steak with white bean cassoulet.

The Black Horse Inn

Kirkby Fleetham, near Northallerton

What they say: “Attractively reworked country inn with well liked food, good drinks choice and cheerful atmosphere.”

Drinks: Black Sheep Best, Timothy Taylors Landlord and York Guzzler on handpump and 11 wines by the glass.

Food: Includes confit chicken, leek and wild mushroom terrine with apricot-dressed leaves, twice-baked goats cheese soufflé with pear, a pie of the day, chicken shawarma with flatbread, and beer-battered fish and chips.

The Bridgewater Arms

Barnard Castle

What they say: " Former schoolhouse with quite a choice of appealing food, three real ales and seats outside."

Drinks: Brakspears Bitter, Rudgate Jorvik Blonde and a guest beer on handpump, a dozen wines by the glass and 12 malt whiskies.

Food: Includes mussels with shallots, garlic, tarragon and cream, langoustines in garlic butter, monkfish and bacon on curried prawn risotto, and sole fillets and crab with spinach, wild garlic and parsley butter sauce.

The Oak Tree

Helperby, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire

What they say: “Attractive pub with real ales in friendly bar, fine food in cosy dining rooms and seats on terrace.”

Drinks: Black Sheep Best, Timothy Taylors Boltmaker and a guest or two such as York Guzzler and Timothy Taylors Ram Tam on handpump, 24 wines by the glass, good collections of malt whiskies and gin, and farm cider.